A Safari in the National Park that Remains Forever Faithful
A Safari in the National Park that Remains Forever Faithful
Everyone knows it. Everyone has either seen pictures in a magazine, or has had the supreme luck of seeing it in person – and all with agree that it is literally ‘heaven on earth’.
There are many National Parks across the U.S.; some are famous for their hunting and fishing opportunities, some for the natural beauty that hikers can enjoy, while still others strike awe in visitors because of the unique formations of earth, rock and land. However, there is one that encompasses all of these attributes. And Wyoming is the perfect frame that holds the picturesque landscape that only Mother Nature could provide.
The Northwest corner of Wyoming is where you can find Yellowstone National Park. In 2014, Yellowstone is the oldest, largest and most popular in the continental United States – and the reasons for its popularity are endless. The Rocky Mountains are the surroundings, with Yellowstone sitting at their very core. With pine forests that go for miles and expansive grass valleys that call out to everyone, making them wish with all their hearts they could simply build a cabin and stay there for all eternity – Yellowstone has it all. Lakes and streams dot the landscape, as the Madison River slowly creates the path that the very earliest of pioneers once used.
But along with all this beauty – all this scenery that would make any person’s heart jump with glee – is
the fact that Yellowstone is also one of the world’s principle wildlife preserves. It is the brilliant gem that plays home to many of the most wondrous creatures on this planet; from wolves to bears to flocks of birds, allowing those with cameras a chance to view extraordinary creatures in their own habitat.
For those unaware, expertly guided tours are available within the landscape of Yellowstone; safaris where one and all can go exploring with the experts, and learn all there is to know about the domains of elk and buffalo herds, moose, foxes, the stunning bald eagle and, of course, the unforgettable wolves.
Traveling deep into the realm of Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley, the search for the wolf pack commences. As they emerge from that deep, quiet forest and raise their heads to the sky, it is almost a mystical event. The Yellowstone wolves are an important part of the ecosystem that thrives there, and the safari will allow you to better understand the elegant and refined predators whose eyes seem to glisten, as if showing that their knowledge of all things is far more elevated than humans could ever fathom.
The wintertime safari’s offer even more magic, as a historic Bombardier snow coach takes you into the world of Yellowstone’s incredible wildlife. Horse-drawn sleighs are there to lead one and all through the National Elk Refuge in Jackson, Wyoming – where the Jackson Elk Herd, as well as endangered birds and other big game animals make their home. The expedition leaders are the travelers, the guides – the men and women who have lived among the habitats and know the in-depth facts of both the land and the animals roaming it.
Not only can one be a part of that little-seen world, but photography excels in this area. The photos caught are truly stunning, as they observe the animals in their natural habitats, capturing on film the greatness and mystery that these animals possess.
As everyone knows, the bottom line when photographing animals is respect. As a wildlife photographer, or even a novice who simply wishes to take a piece of nature’s beauty home with them where they will hang the picture on the wall and remember how being a part of the wild world made them feel – respect for the animal within its home is truly necessary. Just as it is with the environment as a whole, the delicate balance between the human world and the animal kingdom must always be kept. And Yellowstone has proven to be one of the best places in the world where that balance between the animal’s privacy and the human’s safety can always be found.
‘Old Faithful’ will always remain the most well-known name when it comes to mentioning attractions at Yellowstone, but the National Park is so much more. This is a world of honor; honor for the land, the forests, the lakes, the geysers, and the wildlife that make their homes in this paradise on earth.
So if wishing for the ultimate in beauty and peace, embark on a safari that will unveil the mysteries of Yellowstone and get the unforgettable picture of the magic that lies within those legendary mountains.
